Tom Moore, Tristan Wirfs & The 5-Play Rule
February 18th, 2025
Yes, the Bucs have an 86-year-old assistant coach who works long hours and, three years ago, was spotted at the NFL Scouting Combine eating nachos and drinking a cold one at a hotel bar — close to 11 p.m.
He’s the sage of Buccaneers’ football, Tom Moore.
All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs brought up Moore during a recent chat with SportsGrid. Wirfs was reflecting on the Bucs’ many close losses last season and said the team is “right there.”
A “one bounce” away theory feels right, Wirfs said, but he buys in deeper to the sage wisdom of Moore. Wirfs shared how Moore came to talk to him and his teammates at the University of Iowa years ago and lectured on how five key plays determine a game’s outcome, and every play counts because nobody knows what those five will be.
For those counting, the Bucs had a 3-6 record in one-score games last season, including the playoff loss and a 1-2 record in overtime.
February 18th, 2025 at 3:07 pm
Tom Moore is so cool.
Man has been around longer than Monty Kiffin was!
February 18th, 2025 at 3:15 pm
Pretty sure I remember Raheem Morris saying the same thing only he said 6 plays.
February 18th, 2025 at 3:23 pm
Tony Dungy got Tom Moore, Manning, Harrison and Wayne. Gruden got a Monte Kiffin, Brooks, Barber and Sapp. A great defense needed some offense and a great offense needed some defense. It worked out. . .
February 18th, 2025 at 3:44 pm
God Bless him. Especially for not taking any BS from owners, GMs, media and prima donna players.
February 18th, 2025 at 5:01 pm
The Bucs are sooo lucky to have not only an nfl icon, bu he nows more about football than many other coaches combined. He is behind the scenes and doesn’t get noticed , but ask the players and coaches and I bet you will get an ear full.
February 18th, 2025 at 5:02 pm
sorry for the typos above
February 18th, 2025 at 5:53 pm
I’d love to learn that Jason told him to spend some quality time with the pass defense to help coaches and players shore up the precipitous decline that is obvious to anyone. Guarantee he has a few thoughts. Guarantee they’re useful, insightful thoughts.
February 18th, 2025 at 5:56 pm
So much respect for Tom Moore. I remember reading on here how he started walking to One Buc Place when his car wasn’t able to be driven, I think it was around three or four miles. An Asst ended up giving him a ride while they were on route. This was before the sun comes up. That was so impressive. Such a great man.
February 18th, 2025 at 6:00 pm
I’m guilty of thinking that those 5 plays are in OT or the Q4. Sometimes I forget about the other key plays throughout the game that lead the Bucs to a tight score. Just like Moore said, those 5 plays could happen anytime and I’m not going to disagree.
February 18th, 2025 at 7:46 pm
Tom Moore is reason enough to be a Bucs fan. Great story Joe.
February 18th, 2025 at 8:20 pm
Whew! It’s finally good to have someone older than me here on JBF.
I suspect he’s full of gratitude! He takes nothing for granted! He’s not so much proud of getting up early and getting to work, he’s HAPPY that he’s fortunate enough to still be relevant!
I also suspect that he considers himself blessed by (God/Universe) whatever spiritual belief or tradition you hold.
February 18th, 2025 at 9:36 pm
Hey, if it helps the man stay mentally sharp and avoid the wheelchair, MORE POWER TO HIM! 🙂
February 18th, 2025 at 9:53 pm
Can he coach the defensive backs or OLB. We sure need it
February 18th, 2025 at 10:32 pm
I hope Todd Bowlez and Grizz are taking JL a Poster shot of Chris Godwin every single day about 2 hours after Tom meets with One Bucky Irving
February 18th, 2025 at 10:43 pm
With all the disrespect for older folks that seems to be so prevalent these days Tom is showing them just how wrong they are and that wisdom is to be valued.
Good on you Mr. Wirfs!
Go Bucs!
February 18th, 2025 at 11:30 pm
Saved Dungy‘s ass and Andi he was my gamer two away from getting fired I believe……. Tony Step away from the offense Hiand Let Tom M handle Peyton M !!
February 19th, 2025 at 7:30 am
Coach Moore has forgotten more football knowledge then all of us know combined
February 20th, 2025 at 11:43 am
Put Tom Moore in charge of clock management.